A positive Goffs February Sale drew to a close on Thursday with a 25-percent
increase in median and 12-percent jump in clearance rate over last year. The
day’s session was topped by a half-sister to Group 1 winner Kings Apostle
(King’s Best) in foal to Dylan Thomas. Lot No. 330, the unraced five-year-old
PURE PERFECTION (Hawk Wing), was consigned by Moortown House Stud and knocked
down to Jill Lamb Bloodstock for €74,000.
Highlights of a quality Darley draft included the winning Nayef mare SHRAAYEF
in foal to Shamardal. Consigned as Lot 265, the six-year-old mare is a
half-sister to Group 1 hero Imperial Dancer (Primo Dominie) and was purchased by
Peter Henley for €55,000. Darley also consigned Lot 260, the winning DUBAI POWER
(Cadeaux Genereux), in foal to Kheleyf. The bay mare, whose second dam is Irish
highweight Flowing (El Gran Senor), sold for €30,000 to Malih Al Basti, who also
owns her unbeaten half-brother Vanguard Dream (Oasis Dream [GB]).
Meanwhile, another eye-catching mare in foal to Dylan Thomas was Eugenia
Farm’s Lot 277, PASSIONATE GIRL (Grand Lodge). The seven-year-old mare is a
half-sister to Group 2 victor Chancellor (Halling) and was snapped up by Charlie
Mason for €40,000.
A total of 212 horses were sold for €1,844,500 over the two-day sale, off
just slightly from last year when 193 were purchased for €1,856,100. The average
was down 9.5 percent, dropping from €9,617 to €8,700, but the €5,000 median
showed a 25 percent jump on 2010’s median of €4,000.
“This has been a most positive start to 2011 overall as, much in line with
the Arqana sale earlier in the week, we witnessed an improved clearance rate, up
12 points to 62 percent and a significant rise in the median price that leapt 25
percent over the two days,” Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby remarked. “The
general feeling is that some positivity is returning and a corner has been
turned, although that is naturally tempered by the ongoing selectivity that is
driven by a buyers market.
“2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Goffs,” he added. “Indeed, we
truly believe that 2010 will prove to have been a turning point for Goffs and we
are look forward to the coming months with great enthusiasm.”
Full results are available on
www.goffs.com.